At Fish Shop in Dublin, chef Peter Hogan is known for serving up a delicious fried fish sandwich that is both light and crispy. This showstopping sandwich features hake, a mild-flavored white fish that is coated in a simple beer batter before being fried to perfection. The fish is then topped with a refreshing lemony fennel-and-apple slaw that is scented with mint, adding a burst of flavor to every bite.
But what exactly is hake? Hake is a mild, flaky fish that belongs to the cod family. It is sustainably managed and responsibly harvested under U.S. regulations, making it a smart choice for seafood lovers. If you can’t find hake, you can easily substitute it with pollock, haddock, or cod. Hake can be found at seafood markets or online at thefreshlobstercompany.com.
One of the key ingredients in the beer batter used to coat the fish is, of course, beer. But why use beer in the batter? The carbonation in beer gives the batter a light and crispy texture, while also flavoring the crust with a subtle beer taste. The sugars in the beer also help to promote browning, resulting in a perfectly golden and crispy crust. It is recommended to use a lighter-style beer, such as a lager, in the batter for the best results.
In the Food & Wine Test Kitchen, it is noted that cold batter is essential for achieving a crispy fish fillet. Using ice-cold beer and keeping the batter chilled while waiting for the oil to come to temperature will ensure that the fish turns out perfectly crispy and delicious.
To complement this crispy and comforting fish sandwich, a light, citrus-scented white wine like Attems Friuli Pinot Grigio is recommended. The acidity and citrus notes in the wine will pair beautifully with the fried fish and the fresh slaw, creating a delightful dining experience.
Overall, Chef Peter Hogan’s fried fish sandwich at Fish Shop is a must-try for seafood lovers looking for a flavorful and satisfying meal. Whether you’re a fan of hake or looking to try something new, this sandwich is sure to impress with its crispy texture, refreshing slaw, and perfect beer batter coating.
